There has always been a woman at the heart of every great endeavor. From the moment woman was formed from man’s rib, she has been his constant companion and source of inspiration. It was through Eve that Adam became memorable; through Cleopatra that Mark Antony entered history; through a humble Polish maiden that Napoleon rose to glory; and through a mother’s influence that Abraham Lincoln became the Great Liberator. The story of mankind is, in truth, the story of woman’s enduring influence upon man.
This is the central theme of Liwayway Pictures’ “Mutya ng Katipunan,” opening today at the Grand Theatre. Set against the blood-stained yet colorful era of Philippine history, the film vividly recreates the romantic life of General Jacinto of the Katipunan.
Produced by Liwayway Pictures and directed with masterly care by Julian M. Manansala, celebrated for his patriotic motion pictures, “Mutya ng Katipunan” brings to life the immortal figures of our nation’s past—Dr. José Rizal, the Greatest Malayan who calmly faced death at Bagumbayan; Andres Bonifacio, the fiery Supremo of the Katipunan whose leadership ignited the Revolution of 1896; as well as Emilio Jacinto, Pantaleon Garcia, Tandang Sora, Marina Dizon, and other martyrs of Filipino freedom. The story is rich with stirring action, deep romance, and the timeless passions of love, vengeance, and sacrifice.
In the title role, Arsenia Francisco (Miss Liwayway Extra of 1937) delivers one of the screen’s most convincing portrayals. As Marina Dizon, the brave and patriotic heroine of Katipunan fame, she reveals her range as an actress—at once the tender, affectionate college girl who secretly cherishes her unknown benefactor, and the fierce warrior willing to shed blood for her country’s liberty. Her performance marks her as a true revelation in Philippine cinema.
Opposite her is Ricardo Brillantes, whose noble, almost godlike bearing perfectly suits his role as General Jacinto, the valiant hero and right-hand man of the Supremo. Whether as the gentle gentleman who once rescued his beloved and her father, or as the indomitable soldier avenging his father’s death, Brillantes displays both charm and courage with equal mastery.
Roman Reyes, portraying the Katipunero turned traitor, captures with chilling realism the character of General Patino—the man who sold out the Katipunan for a mere “mess of pottage.” Through his natural and persuasive acting, Reyes becomes the embodiment of betrayal itself, using love as his weapon to achieve selfish ends.
(The Tribune, January 13, 1939)
The movie was released and shown at Grand Theater, January 13, 1939.
"Mutya ng Katipunan" (1939)
Liwayway Pictures
Release Date January 13, !939/ Grand Theater
Written and Directed by Julian Manansala
Cast Arsenia Francisco, Ricardo Brilliantes, Roman Reyes
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